I can’t believe I am writing this post because I used to be one of those people who rush Christmas… but I have had enough.
Why do people want to rush Christmas?
Before I became a Mom, I begged Brandon to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. I listened to Nat King Cole in September and had a Christmas countdown start the day after Memorial Day. I have always LOVED Christmas, so I wanted to think about it all the time.
When our daughter Annabelle was born, I realized there are more holidays that I want her to appreciate than just Christmas. I want her to enjoy fall – to have fun trick or treating – and to learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s important to me that both of our girls can enjoy each holiday season during its given time. Sadly, society is pushing Christmas upon us.
Here’s a perfect example of rushing Christmas.
On the way to preschool last week, Annabelle noticed the outdoor shopping mall’s entrance decorated with Christmas ornaments. What happened to the beautiful autumn display we saw last week? She asked if the ornaments meant it was Christmas time. I tried to explain to her that we had quite some time before Santa Clause comes to town. Annabelle didn’t understand. She wanted to know why they decorated for his arrival if he wasn’t coming for a long time. She also asked if we had missed her birthday on December 13.
A few days later Annabelle pointed out the Christmas trees at Target. I know stores pull out the holiday decor pretty quickly, but I didn’t realize Thanksgiving has become irrelevant. Target has all of their fall decorations on sale now, including the Thanks and Giving stuff. I saw workers sneaking out an aisle of wreaths at the beginning of October. Sadly, it’s not just Target who plays “Jingle Bells” while passing out Halloween candy. It’s everywhere.
So why is society trying to rush Christmas?
In a world where we all feel like life passes us by too quickly, I don’t understand the need to skip over everything October and November have to offer. Truthfully, I’m not totally innocent. I’m still listening to my Christmas music when I need a pick-me-up, but I am keeping the snowmen in the attic for the sake of my girls. I want them to appreciate November for all it’s worth. We will trace hand turkeys and I’ll teach them how to make pumpkin pie. But the weekend after Thanksgiving I’m going in the attic to get Rudolph. Because to me, that’s when it’s finally time to bust out the red and green.
Oh man, I agree! I was seeing Christmas sale commercials on Oct. 31! How can we gloss over Thanksgiving too? You get a long weekend, lots of football, tons of food and no one expects presents! Well, now my son does because his birthday is Nov. 27 — another reason the holiday is quickly becoming my favorite.
I feel the exact same way! This year it was literally November 1st and BOOM Christmas! It’s ridiculous! Next year, it’s gonna start before Halloween!
People are foolish. They look to what they see on the outside in a shiny red package instead of the love that can be shared inside of each of us. If people don’t know now that the sparkle comes from within, there will be a lot of time and money wasted on what doesn’t matter.